In a thrilling face-off in Memphis, Stephen Curry led the Golden State Warriors to victory against the Grizzlies, concluding the game with an impressive 52 points. Unlike their last encounter in December, where Curry didn’t make a single field goal and the Warriors suffered a crushing 51-point loss, this time he was on fire, sinking multiple shots from beyond the arc. This win propelled the Warriors into fifth place in the Western Conference, overtaking Memphis and securing a critical lead in the standings, winning the season series 3-1.
Curry was undeterred by memories of their previous loss, stating that his focus was on the importance of the current game. From the get-go, Curry was on a roll, successfully making his first five shots, including four three-pointers. By halftime, he had achieved an incredible 32 points, contributing significantly to the Warriors’ lead. Despite the Grizzlies’ attempts to close the gap, the Warriors maintained their advantage to secure the win.
Notably, Curry’s outstanding performance marked the first time since 1974 that a Golden State player achieved a stat line similar to Rick Barry’s, registering 52 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists. This game also saw Curry surpassing Jerry West, ascending to 25th place on the NBA’s all-time scorers list. Curry reflected on this milestone with emotion, acknowledging West’s iconic status in the sport.
Warriors’ coach, Steve Kerr, was awestruck by Curry’s performance, expressing amazement at Curry’s ability to make seemingly impossible shots while being closely guarded. Kerr noted the continuous marvel of Curry’s talent, having witnessed it first-hand for over a decade.
Despite the evening’s success, longtime teammate Draymond Green provided a candid perspective on Curry’s performance. Reflecting on their years of playing together, Green remarked that although Curry’s display was exceptional, it was not necessarily his best. This level of critique underscores the high standard of excellence that Curry consistently presents.